Apparatus for making bricks.



H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MMUNG BRICKS. APPucATlon min MAR. 9. 191e.

1 ,30 1 ,685 Patented Apr. 22, 1919.

12 SHEETS-SHEET I.

H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS Fon MAKING BmcKs.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 9. |916.

$2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented Apr. 22, 1919.

H. W. B. GRAHAM. APPARATUS Fon MAKING BRICKS.

APPUCAHON FILED MAR. 9. 19H5. 1,301,685. Patenwd Apr. 22,1919.

12 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

H. W. B. GRAHAM. APPARATUS FOR MAKING BRCKS.

H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING BRICKS.

APPLICATLON man MAR. 9. 19H5.

1,801,685. Patented Apr. 22,1919@ 12 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING BRIGKS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 9.1916.

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H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FUR MAKING BHICKS.

APPucATmN FILED MAR. 9. 19:6.

1,301,685. Patnd Apr. 22,1919.

l2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING BRICKS.

APPL|cM|oN-r|Ln MAR. 9. 191s.

Patented Apr. 22, i919.

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gmuudo attorney H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKlNG BRlcKs.

APPLCAHON FILED M^R.9,19|6. 1,301 ,685. Patented Apr. 22, 1919.

l2 SHEETS-SHED 9.

H. W. B, GRAHAM.

APPAHMUS Fu MAKING BRICKS.

APPLICAHON FILED MAR. 9. |936. 1,301 ,685. PatenarApr. 22, 1919.

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H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FUR MAKING RlcKs.

MPLEUAIION FILED MAR. 9.19ll

Patented Apr. 22, 1919.

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APPARATUS FOR MAKING BHICKS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 9. IQIE. 1,301 ,685. Patented Apr. 22,1919.

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HENRY W. B. GRAHAM, OF NEW LONDON, OHIO, ASSIGNOB. TO THE ARNOLD-CREAGEB COMPANY, OF NEW LONDON, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

APPARATUS FOB. MAKING BRICKS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 22, 1919.

Application illed March 9, 1916. Serial No. 83,052.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, HENRY W. B. GRA- HAM, a citizen of the United States, residing at New London, in the county of Huron and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in and Relating to Apparatus for Making Bricks, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to apparatus for molding bricks.

One object of the invention is to provide mechanism fox-molding bricks and handling the molds therefor, whereby the output of the machine is greatly increased and the required manual labor and cost of production is reduced to a minimum.

Another object of the invention is to combine with apparatus lof this character an improved mechanism for dumping the bricks from the molds.

Another object of the invention is to combine with apparatus of this character an improved mechanism for dumping the bricks from the molds and separating the bricks and molds from each other.

Another object of the invention is to provide in apparatus of this character improved mechanisms for dumping the bricks from the molds and for sanding the molds ready for refilling.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of this character in which mechanisms are combined and correlated therewith to successively deliver molds to and from the filling position, to dump the bricks from the molds and return the empty molds to the mold delivery mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved mechanism for dumping the bricks from the molds and separating the bricks and molds from each other.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rotatable carrier adapted to dump the bricks from the molds and separate the bricks and the molds from each other.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rotatable mechanism for dumping and separating the molds and to correlate therewlth means for discharging the bricks from the rotatable mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide rotatable mechanism for dumping the bricks and separating the bricks and molds from each other and to mount on said mechanism means for discharging the bricks therefrom.

Another object of the invention is to provide an intermittently operated rotatable carrier adapted to receive filled molds of bricks at a predetermined position, to invert the molds to dump the bricks and means on the carrier for separating the bricks and molds from each other and discharging the dumped bricks from the carrier. y Another object of the invention is to provide in apparatus of this character having mechanism for dumping the bricks from the molds, improved means for feeding pallets to the dumping mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide in apparatus of this character having a iilling mechanism, a dumping mechanism and mold moving mechanism, improved means for delivering a pallet with each mold to the dumping mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to combine with a mold iillin mechanism, means for conveying a series o molds to and from a position for filling and improved means for regulating the movement of the molds at a point in their path of movement, whereby they are controlled and moved singly so as to be delivered to the filling position successively and in coperative relation therewith and with other operative parts of the apparatus.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled` in the art to which my invention relates from the following description taken in connection with the ac companying drawings.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making bricks embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 isa side elevation of the same.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus with parts broken away.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary central longitudinal sectional view, somewhat enlarged.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 5;-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view on the line 6-6 of Fi 2, enlarged.

Fig. 7 is a ragmentary elevational view of the ross-platen operating mechanism, with adJacent parts of the charging chamtion, of the dumping ber and pug mill shaft and the bearings for the latter shown in section.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of the lower end of the pitman, showing in detail the adjusting means between the pitman and the crank.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view on the line 9 9 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view on the l1ne 10*10 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 11-11 of Fig. 9.

Fig. l2 is a top plan view of the pallet supply and feeding devices.

Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view on the line 13-13 of Fig. 12, enlar Fig. 14 is a view similar to ig. 13, but showing the operation of a .thrust member.

Fig. l5 is a fragmentary view of parts of the pallet feeding mechanism, somewhat enlarged. V

Fig. 16 is a sectional view on the line 16-16 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary side elevation with parts broken away to show the operating mechanism for the pallet feeding thrust members. e

Fig. 18 is a vertical Sectional view on the line 18-18 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 19-19 of Fi 18.

Fig. 20 is a rear e evation of the wiper, the pug mill shaft being shown in section.

F 1g. 21 is a plan view of the wiper.

Fig. 22 is a view of the dumping mechanism, looking from the rear, with parts broken away to facilitate the illustration.

Fig. 23 is al side elevation, partly in secmechanism.

Fig. 24 is a sectional view on the line 24-24 of Fig. 22.

Fig. 25 is a detail view of the device for controlling the connections between the mold pocket members.

Fig. 26 is a transverse sectional view of the auxiliary supporting devices for the base or platform.

F'g. 27 is a sectional view on the line 27 27 of Fig. 26.

Fig. 28 is a detail view, partly in section, of the safety connections between certain of the power transmitting devices.

Fig. 29 is a sectional view on the line 29-29 of Fig. 28.

Fig. 30 is a top plan view of a mold.

Fig. 31 is a side elevation of the mold,

' partly in section.

In the drawings, 1 indicates as an entirety the frame work for the apparatus. This frame work 1 preferably comprises pairs of longitudinal sills 1, 1", an upright transverse member 1, longitudinally extending upright plates or equivalent members 1, each of which may rest upon and be bolted to an adjacent sill 1", and supplemental frame 1. By preference, the sills 1, 1", rest upon the flooring A, in which event the latter may be cut awaI to form a pit B for a purpose to be later escribed.

2 indicates as an entirety the driving mechanism for the apparatus. The driving mechanism 2 preferably comprises a shaft 2", to which is splined the movable member 0f a clutch 2". The shaft 2al is mounted in bearings 2, 2, 2', which may be of any suitable construction, the latter bearing be ing preferably provided in the frame inember 1". 2 indicates a pulle loosely mounted on the shaft 2*. The pul ey 2 carries the other member (not shown) of the clutch 2. The pulley is driven by a belt from some suitable source of power; it serves to drive the shaft 2* when the members of the clutch 2h are connected together. Intermediate its ends, the shaft 2* carries a pinion 2" for a purpose to be later described, and at its forward end the shaft 2il carries a bevel pinion 2, which meshes with and drives a bevel gear 2t fixed to a. transverse shaft 2g. The shaft 2Il is supported at or near its opposite ends in bearings 2h, which are provlded in arms 2" of base blocks 3. The blocks 8 are rigidly supported on the sills l, 1, in any suitable manner. At one end, the shaftv 2g carries a spur gear 2h and at its opposite end it carries a bevel gear 2. The purpose of these gears will be later described.

The movable member of the clutch 2b has secured to it a collar 2b. l indicates a lever one end of which is bifurcated and connected to the collar 2b'. Movement of the lever 4 serves to throw the movable clutch member into and out of operative relation, in a well known manner. l indicates a set' of connected links and rods connected at one end to the opposite end of the lever 4. as shown at 4"; at the opposite or front end of the connected links and rods l there is provided a handle 4, by means of which an operative is enabled to start and stop the apparatus from its front end. The set of operating connections 4S preferably extend a ong one side of the apparatus within convenient leach of the opeifntive so that he can throw the clutch in or but from any point where he happens to be.

5 indicates as an entirety a pug mill. The pug mill 5 comprises a casing 5, preferably of U-shape in cross section, and a shaft 6 which extends therethrough. The casing 5 is supported at its front end by the frame members 1. The rear end of the casing 5 may be secured in any suitable manner to and supported by the frame member 1b, which may form the rear end wall for the casing. The front end of the casing 5 leads into a charging chamber 7. The charging chamber 7 is preferably formed by side plates 7a and a front plate 7b arranged at right angles thereto. The side plates 7 vided with an' extension 1d which at its front end curves upwardly, as shown at 1. The extension may be supported by a leg 1f.

The charging chamber 7 is provided with a bottom 7C, which by preference is disposed in u substantially horizontal plane slightly below the bottom of the casing 5", and connected thereto by a cross beam 7.

The pug-mill shaft 6 preferably extends entirely through the casing 5" and charging chamber 7 and has bearing at its front end in a bearing box or journal 6' mounted in a recess formed in the front plate 7". The opposite end of the shaft extends through and has bearing in the transverse frame member 1". That portion of the shaft 6, which is within the pug mill 5 and chamber 7, may be square in cross-section. 6 indicates a gear carried by the rear end of the shaft 6, outside of or beyond the casing 5", and in position to mesh with the pinion 2, whereby said gear and shaft are rotated.

8 indicates an upright hanger supported by the sills l". The hanger 8 is provided with suitable bearings to receive and support the rear end of the pug mill shaft 6. The hanger 8 also forms 1n part a support for a casing 9 which incluses the gear 6Il and pinion 2d to protect these parts from dust and dirt. 8 indicates one or more brackets, which are connected to the frame member 1" and casing 9 and assist in supporting and bracing the latter.

10 indicates a gland to prevent the escape of material through or around the shaft bearing in the frame 1".

11 indicates a series of stirring and propellin members fixed to the pug mill shaft 6. Tese members are spaced relative to each other along said shaft and arranged at different positions angularly thereon, for the purpose of eifectively stirring material dumped into the pug mill casin 5 and propelling it toward and into t e charging chamber 7.

The stirring, agitating and propelling members 11 may be of any suitable form of construction; and a larger or lesser number may be provided on the shaft 6 as may be found necessary to properly agitate,

temper and feed forwardly the material in the pug mill casing 5 according to the amount, kind and condition of the material placed therein.

12 indicates a wiper which is secured to the pug mill shaft 6 at a point rearward of but in closeproximity to the front end of the charging chamber 7. The wiper is preferably adj ustably connected to the shaft 6, so that it can be positioned angularly thereon for effective coperation with the movement of the press platen to force the clay into the space therebelow at the proper time. Such adjustment may also be found desirable due to the consistency of the clay.

The preferred formof connections consist of complementary curved members 12, 12"', the former being preferably formed integrally with the wiper 12 and the latter being adapted to be bolted thereto; complementary bushing members 12", 12", having angle faces for engagement with the shaft 6; and interlocking devices 12c between one of the bushing members and the adjacent complementary curved member. The interlocking devices may com rise a `lug 12, carried by one of the bus ing members and arranged to fit Within a recess 12" formed in the curved member 12. I have shown four recesses 12e which permit of adjustment of the wiper to one of four positions. The members 12, 12", and 12", 12", permit of the adjustment of the Wiper 12 a quarter turn on the shaft 6, while the interlocking devices 12c permit of intermediate adjustments.

13 indicates a die which is mounted between the front edge of the bottom 7c and the front plate 7", or a removable section plate 7"', of the charging chamber 7. The die 13 is preferably `of rectangular shape and heavily constructed toA withstand the strains to which it is subjected. The lower surface or edge of the die 13 is preferably flat in order to engage with the upper surface of each mold, indicated at 14, and scrape the surplus material therefrom in a manner Well known to those skilled in the art to which my invention relates.

" The front plate section 7" is preferably removably held in place by bolts, the inner ends of which may be llattened and riveted or bolted to the inner walls of the side plates 7 (see Fig. 4).

In the use herein of the term. mold I wish to be understood to mean a mold in which one or a plurality of mold sections are provided. In practice, it will be found desirable, for obvious reasons, to provide a plural section mold, such as I- have chosen to illustrate in the accompanying drawings-see Figs. 30 and 31. Each mold 14 may be ofA rectangular shape and comprise a pair of side members 14, and a air of end members 14" each connected to adjacent ends of the side members 14". 14 indicates a plurality of partitions uniformly spaced from each other and the inner Walls of the end members 14" to divide the frame into a plurality of sections 14', each of which forms a brick mold. 14:d indicates a plurality of bottoms one for each mold section 14". The bottoms 14d are preferably spaced from each other a distance slightly greater than the thickness of each partition so as to provide vents. When the mold sections are being filled, the air therein is forced out through these vents; on the other hand, when the mold 14 is dumped, air has access to the under side of the bricks to prevent a vacuum. The end members 14" for the molds preferably comprise blocks of rectangular shape in cross section. The blocks 14" are of a size to provide relatively wide upper and lower surfaces which serve as shoes on which the mold 14 runs or slides through the apparatus, as will be later described. This form of construction is of special advantage in properly supporting and gudin the mold when inverted. The upper sur aces of the blocks 14" are preferably disposed inthe plane of the upper edges of the sides 14"; but for reasons about to be set forth, the blocks 14" are not as thick as the side members 14 are high, so that their lower surfaces are disposed in a plane slightly above the lower surfaces of the bottoms 14d. It is my custom to soak the molds in water in order t0 cause the same to stick to the walls of the molds as they move through the sander. This water-soaking operation causes the end members 14" to swell slightly in size, thus increasing their thickness or height. Accordingly, when the end members of the mold were made equal in thickness to the height of the side members or body portion of the mold and the latter was moved over the table to a position below the die 13, the table and die would engage with the end members, but as these members had, due to their water soaked condition, become thicker than the body of the mold, they would prevent the die from engaging the body portion of the mold between the end members. As a result a space was formed between the body rtion of the mold and the lower surface o the die. When the mold was again moved forward, the scraping edge of the die did not scrape off the material disposed above the plane of the upper surface of the mold; but due to the space between the u per edge of the mold and the scraping e ge of the die, a thin layer of material was left on top of the mold, which material had to be scraped off by a se arate operation.

lln my improved construction of mold, the end blocks 14" are not as high as the body portion of the mold, so that they cannot, even when water soaked, prevent the engagement of the die 13 with the entire up per surface of the mold between the end locks 14" (as shown'in Fig. 5) accordingly, when the mold is positioned for filling and filled and is again moved forward, the die will scrape oli' all material above the upper Leonesa surface of the mold. 14 indicates a metallic binding strip extending along the upper edge of each side member 14, then around the ends of the side members and over the bottoms 14d. 14 indicates similarstrips eX- tending along the upper surfaces of the partitions 14". Each end of the strips 14' is preferably secured to the adjacent strip 14 by a dove tail joint. 14 indicates'a bearing plate mounted on the upper surface of each block 14". The strips 14" and 14f and the plates 14g may be secured to their respective mold parts in any desired manner.

Noclaim is made herein to the disclosed subject-matter relating to the mold, the invention therein being claimed by me in my co-pending application filed October 27th, 1916, serial No. 127,981.

15 indicates a press-platen adapted to force the material through the die 13 into the molds 14. r1`he platen 15 extends across the charging chamber 7, its opposite ends being rguided by the flanges of angle plates 7", each fixed in any desired manner to the adjacent side wall 7. 16 indicates as an entirety the mechanism for reciprocating the press-platen. Of this mechanism, 16l indicates a crank fixed to the front end of the pug mill shaft 6. 16" indicates a pitman connected at its lower end through a wrist pin 17 with the crank 16l and at its u per end pivotally connected through a bloc 18 to a rojection or shaft 19 of a reciprocating mem er or plunger 19, The pitman 16" preferably comprises two parallel rods 16"', disposed upon opposite sides of the wrist in 17 and shaft 19. The pivot connections tween the pitman 16" and shaft 19 may include devices constructed to permit disconnection of these parts from each other automatically when some obstruction prevents operation of the press platen, or manually when it is desired to operate the crank without reciprocating the platen 15. When so constructed, I provide an operating lever 16x by which the manual or positive disconnection may be effected. As these safety connections and operating means therefor form no art of the presen-t invention, being covere in a companion case filed AprilI 15, 1918, Serial No. 228,641@ they will not be further described herein.

The connecting devices, indicated at 17', between the pitman 16" and the wrist pin 17 are referably of a character which permit the ength of stroke imparted to the reciprocating member 19* to be changed or adjusted to meet varying conditions. At their lower ends, the rods 16" are reduced to form shoulders 16". The reduced ends of the pitman rods 16" are provided with screw threads and extend through openin s formed in a block 17. The block 17 1s carried by the outer end of the wrist pin 17, being preferably secured thereto by cap screws 17". 17"l indicates an abutment which may be adjustably secured to the reduced portions of the rods 16. The block 17 is arranged to strike against the shoulders 16 in the upward stroke of the crank and against the abutment 17 in the downward stroke of the crank.. By adjusting the abutment 17c longitudinally of the rods 16V, the length of stroke imparted to the pitman by the crank 16 can thus be varied as desired. The adjusting devices between the abutment 17 and the rods 16" may comprise nuts 17d, each mounted on the reduced end of the adjacent rod 16. Each nut is provided with a spiral 17d arranged to mesh with a spiral gear 17". The shaft of the gear 17e is provided with a crank 17" by which it may be operated. -The reciprocating member 19*l is mounted to slide in guides 19b preferably provided on the front plate 7".` 20 indicates a cross bar or yoke that may be connected to the reciprocatin member 19 by aninwardly projecting s aft or rod 208. 21 indicates one or more rods connecting the cross bar 20 with the pressplaten 15. I preferably provide two connecting rods 21 between the cross bar 2O and press-platen 15; 4these rods 21 being hollow, serve as conduits for the ingress and egress of air to and from the charging chamber 7. The lower ends of the rods 21 preferably extend through the press-platen 15 and form seats forvalves 21 (Fi s. 4 andV 6). The valves 21, permit air to ow into the charging chamber as the platen rises to prevent the formation of a vacuum; on the other hand, when the platen 1 5 descends the valves 21c permitthe air to escape from the charging chamber 7 to avoid its compression. therein or the formation of air ockets in the bricks and the blowing of san from the faces of the mold 14. Each valve 21 is positioned normally away from its seat, as shown in Fig. 4, but when the platen 15 contacts with the material, the latter causes the valve to close. As a result of this operation, each valve 21 is open during the first part of the downward stroke of the platen to let the air escape. The upper ends of the rods 21 may extend. through the yoke or cross member 20 and be connected thereto by nuts.

The guides 19" preferably comprise a pair of side members 19"' which may be formed integrally with and extend laterally from the front face of the front plate 7*. 19 indicates a plate which is detachably connected, preferably by bolts 19", to the longitudinal front edges of the side members 19" and forms therewith guide Walls to slidably support the reciprocating member 19.

The plates 19? and 7b are formed with slots 19e', 7"', respectively; the shaft 19 extends through the slot 19', while the shaft 2"' e:.tends through the slot 7d. The shaft 19 and stud 20a move longitudinally of the slots 19', 7d', respectively, due to the operation of the lunger 19".

From the oregoing description it will be seen that, as the press-platen 15 is operatively connected to and driven by the shaft 6, the wiper will force a charge-of material into the space below the press-platen each time the latter rises. By roper angular adjustment of the wiper on tiie shaft 6, relative to the movement of the platen, it can be caused to coperate therewith inan effective manner. l

21 indicates a receiver onto which the empty molds are successively delivered or positioned ready to be moved forward to the mold filling station, as will be later set forth. The receiver preferably comprises a pair of plates 21 having flanges 21b on whlch the end blocks 14" of each mold rest. This construction leaves the space below the central portion of the mold open so that loose sand can drop therefrom and not accumulate on the receiver as would be the case if it extended entirely across the apparatus.

22 indicates a base or platform the rear portion of which is arranged below the die 13. It is spaced from the die 13 a suiicient distance to permit the brick-molds 14 to be moved over the base and between said platform and the lower edge of the die 13. The

rear portion of the platform 22 is arrandget of the bolts 22a extend through openings in the arms 22" and the plates 7*. The bolts 22 also project through suitable openings formed in the plates 21 and preferably serve to connect the latter to the arms 221. These connecting bolts permit the rear end of -the base to be raised and lowered or the entire base to be adjusted vertically. The base preferably comprises a plurality of sections as follows: a section 22 arranged below .the die 13 to support each mold 14 at the filling position; a section 22l to support each mold 14 opposite a mold bumping-mechanism, m- 115 dicated as an entirety at 24; and a section 22e over which the molds travel to an inverting mechanism indicated as an entirety at 25.

As shown, the receiver 21 is spaced from the rear end of the base 22 to provide a 120 passageway 26 through which the empty molds 14 are successively passed and delivered tothe receiver 21. The passageway 26 is normally closed by a; gate preferably comprising two spaced arms 27 fixed to a shaft 125 27 which is loosely mounted in lugs 27h extending rearwardly from the base section 22. Each arm 27 carries a foot 27 to engage with the rear wall of the base sectlon 22 and limit the downward movement of 130 the arms 27. The gate arms 27 are arran ed to be swun upwardly by a moving mol 14 (see dotte lines in Fig. 4), whereby the latter may pass through the passageway 26.

28 indicates as an entirety auxiliary means for supporting, in cooperation with the devices 22, the base or platform 22. The auxiliary sup orting means 28 are preferably arranged irectly below the press box 13 in order to take the thrusts due to the operation 0f the press platen 15 in forcing the material into the molds 14. The auxiliary supporting means 28 preferably eomprlse an angle cross member or beam 28Il rigidly secured at its opposite ends in any well known manner to the side plates 7; a set or sets of demountable devices 28"; and adjusting devices 28c between the transverse member 28 and each set of the demountable devices 28h. Each of the demountable devices 28 preferably comprises a socket member 28i and an oval sha ed rocker 28 which is adapted to rock wit in the socket of the member 28". The rocker 28 is normally arranged with its major axis extending in a vertical direction so as to support the platform section 22 in the highest position. 28' indicates a rod extending through openings formed in the rockers 28 and having bearing at its opposite ends in elongated openings formed in the side plates 7 The openings in the rockers 28 and that portion of the rod 28 which extends therethrough, is of polygonal shape so that when the rod is rotated, it will rock the members 28 accordingly. The free end 28g of the rod 28 is shaped to receive a tool by means of which the rockers 28e can moved angularly in either direction as shown in dotted lines 1n Fig. 27. When the rockers 28 are thus operated` the platform 22 will drop downwardly to increase the space between its upper surface and the lower open end of the die 13, and thereby permit the removal of any obstruction, such as a stone, which may have Vbecome wedged within the die or between it and a mold 14. Each adjusting device 28 referably comprises a screw threaded rod w ich engages a nut 28 ixedly set in a suitable opening in the transverse member 28. By screwing in or out the bolts 28, the sets of demountable devices 28h can be adjusted toward and from the die 13 to properly position the platform or base 22. The base section 22 preferably comprises a heavy casting to withstand relative high pressure as required in apparatus of this character. The upper surface of the Section may be covered by a detachable plate so as to be conveniently replaced by a new plate at any time, it being important to maintain all points of this surface arallel with the lower surface of the die 13 t at the molds will exactly ll the space between these parts.

The reciprocating-feeder or mold pushout 23 serves to successively move the molds 14 from the mold receiving station 21 to the illin position immediately below the die 13. he feeder 23 may consist of a horizontally arranged plate extending across the space between the opposite inner walls of the frame members 1.` It may be provided with a lurality of stren eninp'l ribs between whic openings may e formed to make the feeder relatively light. The pushout 23 is provided along its opposite side edges with integral u per and lower guide walls 23lbetween w ich are received in- Wardly extending guides 23". The guides 23" are preferably secured to the frame plates 1c by a plurality of bolts 23". The guides or ribs 23" serve to support the pushout 23 and to guide it longitudinally in a horizontal plane substantially coincident with the plane of the molds, whereby it may engage therewith and move them forwardly and relative to the die and then to the bumpers of the bumping mechanism 24 and the inverting and dumpingl mechanism 25. For the purpose of coperation, the receiver 21 is arranged to receive and support a mold 14 as the pushout 23 is moved rearwardly but after it has passed the receiver 21. As the said ushout moves forward, it will engage witii and move the mold 14 over the platform 22 the desired distance. In this connection it ywill be understood that when the pushout 23 en ges with and moves a succeeding mold, t e latter in turn pushes forward the mold or molds in front of it and 100 thereby imparts step-'by-step movement to all of the molds on the base or platform 22 to deliver them first to a position where they may be operated upon by the bumping mechanism 24 and then to the inverting and 105 dumping mechanism 25, as will be later set forth.

23' indicates a pair of spaced lugs preferably formed integral with and depending from the rear end of the pushout 23. 29 in- 110 dicates a pitman or connecting rod. The front end of the pitman 29 is disposed between the lugs 23 and is formed with a transverse opening 29* to receive a pin 23. The pin 23c is supported at its o posite ends 115 in almed openings formed in the lugs 23', whereby the pitman 29 is pivotally connected to the feeder or pushout 23. The pin 23 may be. fixed to the lugs 23 by a set screw 23e'. The rear end of the connect- 120 fing rod 29 is ivotally connected to the free end of a cran 30 which in turn is fixed to and revolved by a transverseshaft 31. The connecting rod 29 is preferably formed of a pluralit of members 29" which have right 125 and le t hand scre "l'threade'd connection with each other tof permit the rod to be lengthened or sho ned to vary the stroke 4of the feeder 23 and thus regulate the posi- It will be understood from the construction just described that the shaft 31, the crank 30 and connecting rod 29, operate to reciprocate the feeder or pushout 23 forwardly arid rearwardly. The shaft 31 is preferably arranged parallel to the shaft 25, it being mounted in suitable bearings 31 in standards 31b on the base block 3. At one end of th" shaft 31 is secured a gear 31c Which meshes with the pinion 2h. The pinion 2*:"and gear 31c are proportioned relative toeach other to insure proper-"speed of the shaft 31 and movement of the feeder 23 in coperation with the press platen 15 and otherjparts of the apparatus.

32 indicates as an entlrety automa-tic release devices or safety oonnectionsff-ninterposed between and connecting the shaft 31 and gear 31" together. The purpose fof the devices 32 is to permit movement of the gear 31c relative to the shaft 31 to preventV `breakage of anypart or parts'of the apparatus in the event the pushout 23 is stopped by an obstruction to it or the molds 14 in their forward movement. 0f these devices, 3 2 indicates afcnsing fixed to one side of the gear 31, concentrically of its axis. At one side the casing is provided with a tubular extension 32b to form a cylinder 32, in which is slidably mounted a plunger 33. 34 indicates a spring interposed between the,plunger 33 and an adjustable-cap 34l fgr the outer end vof the cylinder 32. The sprlng 34 normally tends to push the plunger 33 in a direction toward the shaft 31. 35 indicates a cylindrical block or collar which is keyed in a well known manner to th shaft 31. At one side the block 35 is provided with a socket 35 to receive the inner end of the plunger 33. The opposite side walls of the socket 35 are inclined and the inner end of the plunger 33 is provided with inclined side walls to exactly fit the inclined walls of the' socket 35. As long as the inner end of the plunger 33 ismaintained in the socket 35, the gear 31 and shaft 31 will be connected `together, whereby the former will transmit power to the latter; but when the resistance to the rotation of the shaft 31 becomes great enou h to overcome the force of the spring 34 acting on the plunger 33, thc latter will ride up one of the inclinedwalls of the socket and 'turn on the periphery of the block 35 without transmitting power to it. From the foregoing description it will be seen that the device 32 serve to normally connect the gear 31c and shaft 31 together, but in the event the push-out 23 'is prevented from reciprocating, due to breakage or clogging of the mol s 14,`they permit the automatic release or detachment of these parts, so that the shaft 2 can continue to rotate. The cap 34 is preferably screwthreaded in the outer end of the cylinder 32e. This constructlon permita` it to be it is on the section 22" of adjusted to increase or decrease Vthe tension of the spring 34 and thereby regulate the conditions under which the plunger will automatically detach itself from the block 35.

The purpose of this construction is to relieve strains upon and prevent breakage in certain ofthe driving parts of the apparatus. While I have chosen to locate the devices 32 between the gear 31 and shaft 31, they could, if desired, be located between other parts of the power transmitting mechanism.

'The bumping mechanism 24 is arranged between the die 13 and the dumping mechanism 25 to free or loosen the bricks from the mold walls ready for the-dumping noperation. The bumpers of the bumping mechanism 24 operate to bump each mold while the support or base 22. Of the bumping mechanism, 24 indicates one or more transverse rods extending through a slide opening or openings `24" formed in the base or platform section .22". 24 indicates a pair of bumpers fixed in any well known manner to the opposite ends' of the rod or rods 24 and arranged in aplane slightly above the platform section 22'l so as to engage each mold 14 as it moves thereover. Each bumper 24 preferably comprises a base 24", a mold engaging member 24 and an adjustable intermediate member 24' to which the engaging member 24e is secured. The intermediate member 24t is preferably detachably as well as adjustably connected to the base 24d. For this purpose` the intermediate member 24' is provided Vwith an elongated slot 24S adapted to receive a bolt 24h having a clamping nut, which when tightened serves to connect the intermediate mem'ber 24' and base 24d together. The engaging surfaces between each intermediate member 24 and the adjacent base 24l are preferably provided with parallel interlocking ribs and grooves (see Fig. 10) which prevent relative movement between these parts when clamped together, but `permit ready adjustment 'both longitudinally and transversely of the rods 24, whereby the proper spacing of the bumpers 24 relative to each other and the platfor section 22d may be effected. The bumpers 24"jare reciprocated transversely of the platform section 22d by devices indicated as an entirety at 36. These reciprocating devices 36 may comprise aeshaft 36 which preferably extends longitudinally of the apparatus. The shaft 36 may be mounted in a plurality of spaced bearings 36" supported by brackets 36 which are preferably secured to the adjacent side plate 7, upgright member 1c and sill 1". At its rear end, the shaft 36a is provided with a bevel gear 36d that meshes with the bevel gear 2. At its front end. the shaft 36 is provided with a crank arm 37 carrying at its free end a stud-shaft 37' on which may be pivotall mounted a polygonal block 37". 37 indicates a frame or box fixed to or formed integral with the adjacent bumper base 24". On its rear side, the frame 37h is formed with a vertically extending, elongated groove or guide-way 37 having parallel side walls with which the block 37 has slidable engagement. When the shaft 36 is rotated to revolve the crank 37, the block 37Il slides upon and down in the groove 37 as the crank moves from its highest position to its lowest 4position and back again, but due to the engagement of the block 37'* with the side walls of the groove 37 during the movement of the crank, the frame 37 and bumping mechanism are re ciprocated horizontally, being guided by the rods 24* in the openings 24". The speed of the shaft 36' is such as to impart a quick reciprocating movement to the bumpers 24 in order to bump each mold back and forth between them with considerable force. The eli'ect of this operation is to jar or knock the walls of each mold 14 with force sufficient to cause the. loosening or freein of the bricks from the walls thereof, so t at when the molds are inverted by the dumping mechanism 25, the @bricks will readily separate therefrom without any of their parts sticking tothe mold walls, especially in the event the molds 14 have been previously sanded, as will be later set forth.

Each mold engaging member 24 is preferably pivoted loosely at 24 to the adjacent member 24, to swing upwardly, as shown in dotted lines in Fi 4, and its rear wall is inclined or bevele In the event either of the bumping members 24 happens to be in the ath of movement of a mold 14 when the atter is being moved forwardly to the bumping position, the mold will engage the inclined wall of the member 24 and swing it upwardly without affecting its transverse movement; but as soon as the bumping member has cleared the mold, it will drop into operative position and engage the adjacent end thereof.

The crank 37 may be formed with a T- groove 37l to receive the head of the bolt or stud-shaft 37 and permit its movement longitudinally of the groove 37x to adjust the length of stroke imparted to the bumpers 24. The bolt 37 may be fixed in its adjusted position by a suitable nut.

The shaft 36* may be provided with two cranks 37 which extend in op ite directions relative to the axis of the s aft, and the T-groove 37x' may extend from end to end of both cranks. This construction permits the adjustment of the bolt to either side of th`J axis of the shaft whereby the direction of movement of the bumpers may be changed.

Through the adjustment of the bumpers 1,so1,ess

24 on the supporting member 24*l and of the bolt or shaft 37 alongtlie crank 37, I am enabled to so sition the bumpers 24 in correlation withoa mold moving forwardly relative to the base section 22, that the latter can be positioned between the bumpers without danger of being bumped by the members 24. These adjustments 'also permit me to so position and operate the bumping members 24 that either relatively hard or light blows may be imparted to the molds 14 as conditions may require.

No claim is made herein to the disclosed subject-matter relating to the mold bumping mechanism, the invention therein being claimed by me in my copending application filed April 15, 1918, Serial No. v228,6401L.

The preferred form of mold dumping mechamsm 25 includes a rotatable carrier 25' adapted to be moved step by step about its axis. The carrier 25' is provided with a series of spaced pockets 25, one of which is arran to receive, during each period of rest of t e carrier, a mold 14 which has been filled with material at the filling station or position and moved over the platform sections 22", 22 and 22 by the pusher 23.

39 indicates as an entirety mechanism for supplying and delivering a pallet, indicated at 14', to each pocket 25'* of 'the carrier 25 for the purpose of placing a pallet 14' in osition to receive the bricks as they are dumped from a mold 14. The pallet supplying and deliverin mechanism 39 is preferably arranged to tieliver a pallet 14 to each pocket 25a substantiall 'simultaneously with the delivery of a mol 14 thereto.

Of the pallet supplying and delivering mechanism, 39* indicates a box or receptacle into which the pallets 14' are piled in superposed order. The receptacle 39 is preferably supported at its opposite ends on a pair of frame members 39 slightly rearward of the carrier 25. The frame members 39 restV upon' the sills 1*. The receptacle 39 may be provided with a bottom 39 and side walls 39. 39*l indicates supplemental end walls adjustably mounted in any well known manner on the bottom 39" and arranged to properly position the pallets 14 between the opite ends of the receptacle. The lower ed of the front side wall of the rece table 39n is cut away to form between it an the bottom 39b a slot 39 through which the lowermost pallet 14 is delivered b a thrust member or members 39'; also, t e bottom 39" and rear side wall 39 are cut away, as shown at 39"', to form ways, through which the thrust members 39i move. The slot 39 along the front of the receptacle 39" is of a size to rmit only one pallet 14 to pass through it at a time. By this construction, wall ofthe rece tacle 39 serves as an abutment for the pa ets above the lowermost one while the latter isbeing fed forwardly. The

the front y 

